Kiwi Times NZ Wholly owned subsidiary of PUGUA' International Corporation
Auckland, New Zealand
Health Notes
By Edna Shoemaker
Features Reporter
Kava Latin name: Piper Methysticum
Other name: Kava Kava, Kasava, Pupulun Aniti, Sakao
Remedy for: 1. Insomnia 2. Nervousness
Kava is also used to relieve anxiety, although its effectiveness as a tranquilizer has not
been scientifically confirmed.
What is it?
One of the new herbs that have recently gained considerable media attention,
Kava has actually been around for centuries in the South Seas,
where it's used as a ceremonial beverage. The plant's fleshy undergound stem
is mildly intoxicating when chewed. Prepared as a nonalcoholic drink, it is said to
foster a sense of contentment and well-being, while sharpening the mind, memory and
senses.
Research shows that the active ingredients in Kava (kava lactones) do in fact have
a calming,
sedative effect. They also appear to relax the muscles, relieve spasms, and prevent
convulsions.
